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What’s my dosha? is a rather complex question, because every living creature is composed of all five elements and all three doshas– vata, pitta and kapha. Each of the ayurvedic constitutions (doshas) have distinct attributes and responsibilities in the body. You cannot survive without them. This said, we are not one-third vata, one-third pitta and one-third kapha. There is an infinite number of doshic combinations and no two individuals are exactly the same. We all have a unique balance that makes me, me and you, you. One’s essential nature is inherited from our parents and does not change. This is Prakruti.

When we are healthy and balanced, we experience the favorable qualities of the doshas and our Prakruti is revealed. When we are imbalanced or sick, we experience Vikruti, the shadow or unfavourable qualities of the doshas. Vikruti (imbalance state) can also be inherited from our parents and grandparents. Since we only treat vikurti in Ayurveda, what’s important to determine are what doshas are out of balance. Why? Because we don’t fix what ain’t broke!

Given the season, here are some Chai recipes for Vata, Pita, Kapha & kids* too. Chai is medicinal and a great substitute for coffee or traditional hot chocolate and perfect for a wintery afternoon — think aprés-ski beverage! Mmmmm…

The word chai has a couple of meanings, which, in my opinion, are clearly related. In Hebrew, ‘chai’ means ‘life’. (It is also a symbol for the number 18, a factor of the auspicious number 108.) ‘Chai’ in many parts of the world, simply means ‘tea’. This warm and soothing beverage is usually made with spices, herbs and milk. In ayurvedic medicine, chai is considered a rasayana, a remedy that lengthens lifespan. (‘Rasayana’ literally means ‘the path to [life’s] essence’.)

Here are some great chai recipes I share with my ayurvedic clients.
*See below, if you’re not sure how to choose which chai is for you.

Chai is perfect on a snowy afternoon.

Vata Chai(for calming and warming)

3 c filtered water

4 green cardamom pods (crushed)

2 whole cloves

1 whole star anise pods

1 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp whole fennel seeds

Optional: 1 tsp grated fresh ginger+

1 c almond, rice or seed milk

Raw organic sugar or Sucanat

Kapha Chai(for stimulating & circulation)

3 c filtered water

1 tsp grated fresh ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger

1 tsp whole fennel seeds

1 tsp whole cardamom pods (green or black)

½ tsp whole cloves

1 star anise pods

1 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional: ½ tsp black tea leaves
+

1 c almond milk or seed milk or soy milk;

Honey or stevia

Pitta Chai(for soothing and relaxing – not too heating)

3 c filtered water

5 mini rose buds or 1 tsp rose petals

1 tsp black cardamom seeds

1 tbsp fennel

½ cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 vanilla bean stick or 1 tsp ground vanilla

Optional: 2 tbsp pure organic cocoa nibs or 1 tbsp cocoa powder
+

1 c almond milk or seed milk or ½ c coconut milk

Maple Syrup or Natural cane sugar

Kids Chai(for a hot chocolate alternative, good night sleep)

3 c filtered water

1 tsp cinnamon

1 c almond or soy milk

Maple syrup or honey

Directions1. In a large saucepan, boil water over high heat;
2. Add in spices / herbs, reduce heat and let simmer for ten minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let tea cool for a few minutes before stirring in milk and sweetener to taste.
4. Pour the chai through a strainer into cups or mugs and enjoy!

(Makes about four cups of chai.)

* What’s my dosha?Vata, Pitta & Kapha are the three ayurvedic constitutions or doshas. Although we have all three constitutions within us, one tends to be more dominant and/or out of balance than the others. In ayurveda, we treat the imbalanced doshas, so here’s a little guide to help you choose which Chai recipe is for you.

Choose the Vata recipe, if you have some or all of these symptoms:
• You are cold all the time;
• You have digestive issues like gas, bloating and/or constipation;
• You have restless or disturbed sleep;

Choose the Kapha recipe, if you have some or all of these symptoms:• You feel lethargic and heavy;
• You have a slow metabolism;
• You tend to oversleep;

Choose the Pitta recipe, if you have some or all of these symptoms:• You have redness in skin and often feel hot;
• You have heart burn or feel acidic;
• You tend to have soft or loose stool;